The immediate past Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, alongside foreign envoys, industry leaders, and other distinguished guests, is set to attend the coronation of the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I. The grand ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Oyo, with week-long activities kicking off on March 31.
The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola, made this known during a press briefing at the Alaafin’s palace on Thursday. He confirmed that Oba Owoade had personally secured the attendance of top dignitaries, including ambassadors from Spain, Brazil, Colombia, and Portugal.
Trudeau’s expected presence is likely tied to Oba Owoade’s dual citizenship status as a Nigerian and Canadian.
The coronation festivities will include a cultural parade on March 31, a public lecture by Professors Anthony Asiwaju, Akin Alao, and Siyan Oyeweso on April 1, and a command performance of Aremo Aderonmu, a play by Gbemi Faleti, at Ajayi Crowther University on April 3. Additionally, tree-planting ceremonies will take place from April 1 to April 3, while April 4 has been designated as Cultural Heritage Day, with several projects set for inauguration.
Traditional rulers expected at the event include the Ooni of Ife, the Oba of Benin, the Sultan of Sokoto, and Yoruba monarchs from the diaspora. Ogunmola assured that security measures were in place to ensure the safety of attendees throughout the event.
The coronation will conclude with a Christian thanksgiving service on Sunday, April 6.
